Ten films to remember Robin Williams by

Ten films to remember Robin Williams by

The man who has been the inspiration for a whole generation of stand up comics and comedy actors, Robin Williams, was found dead in his California home on Monday. He was 63. It is common knowledge that Williams’ was battling severe depression, a fact that was never evident from his bumbling and clown-like on screen personas. Williams was working on the third installment of Night at the Museum which is due for a release this December and was also planning on a sequel of Mrs. Doubtfire.

President Obama put it most aptly in his condolences – “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin’s family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.”

Bollywood tweeted their condolences too –

Abhishek Bachchan reminisces about the actor and wrote, “Oh captain, my… Terrible news about the passing of one of my favourite actors. Mr Robin Williams. This is the 1st time he made anyone cry.”

“Robin Williams. What a loss! You leave behind a vaccum difficult to fill but your remarkable body of work will continue to inspire. RIP,” Shabana Azmi tweeted.

“Shekhar Kapur questioned the suicide rumours. “The man that brought us so much laughter and joy committed suicide? Who knows the internal conflicts of the creative mind #RIPRobinWilliams.”

Farah Khan tweeted, “Oh God!! How do you tell your kids Mrs Doubtfire has died!? RIP Robin Williams.. Thank you for the laughter in the movies!”

Here are our 10 favourite Robin Willams movies:

The World According to Garp (1982)One of Williams’ most balanced performances as T.S. Garp, a young man’s journey through life and sexuality, based on the book by John Irving.

Good Morning Vietnam (1987)A war-comedy with Williams as an RJ on the Armed Forces Radio Service. The film got him his first Oscar nomination for Actor in a Leading Role.

Dead Poets Society (1989)As the English teacher who inspires his students with poetry, Williams became a part of a cult hit. The film also got him his second Oscar nomination.

The Fisher King (1991)A dramedy starring Williams and Jeff Bridges, the film is about an arrogant radio shock-jock and his search for redemption. A critical success and Williams’ third Academy Award nomination.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)Probably Williams’ most well-known film, Mrs. Doubtfire has been remade into various languages around the world. Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire, the fake nanny, is also regarded as one of modern American cinema’s most memorable characters.

Jumanji (1995)A fantasy-adventure film for children, Jumanji remains one of the highest-grossing films of the last decade. A bunch of kids get sucked into the fantasy world of a board game – what’s not to love?

The Birdcage (1996)A worthy remake of La Cage aux Folles, the film has one of Williams’ most understated performances which take him beyond just any other comedy actor. Sensitive, funny and intelligent, this was Williams like never before.

Good Will Hunting (1997)A universal critical and commercial success starring Matt Damon, Williams and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting got Williams his first Academy Award and remains his most memorable non-comic role.

Bicentennial Man (1999)In the garb of a comic sci-fi, Bicentennial Man dealt with issues generally not associated with Williams’ films. Though the film met with mixed reviews, it remains one of Williams’ most memorable performances.

One Hour Photo (2002)A psychological thriller with Robin Williams? Really? Definitely one of his best performances ever as Sy Parrish, the photo technician, One Hour Photo breaks all pre-conceived notions about Robin Williams’ acting talent.